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Today's News

Levy County Department of Public Safety has notified Emergency Management they have suspended their responses for emergency calls to Cedar Key and the area west of CR 347 north to the entrance of the Lower Suwannee refuge .

This is due to deteriorating conditions making it unsafe for emergency crews.

Only 30 people have sought out shelter at the three schools, Williston High and Bronson and Chiefland Elementaries, leading to officials' concerns that many people may be in danger from a predicted 11-foot surge at 3 a.m. when high tide arrives in Cedar Key.

The National Weather Service has issued updated information impacting Levy County. Tidal surge is now predicted to reach 11 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) near or at high tide at 3 AM. Residents in areas affected by tidal surge should EVACUATE IMMEDIATLEY. Emergency Services WILL NOT be able to reach you in the event you require assistance if you refuse to evacuate.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for the area from Anclote Key to the Suwannee River that includes tLevy County.

A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the Suwannee River north toMexico Beach.

With that announcement, the Levy County Department of Public Safety pulled its ambulance from the Cedar Key area and brought it to Bronson. Residents with special needs can evacuate to the special needs shorter at Bronson Elementary School.

A mandatory evacuation is being ordered for Cedar Key, Yankeetown and other coastal areas of Levy County this morning (Thursday, Sept. 1) and areas along the Swannee River.

Sheriff's Lt. Scott Tummond confirmed the reports of a mandatory evacuation and said two ore shelters have been opened: at Bronsson Elementary and Chiefland Elementary Schools. One shelter, at Williston High School opened on Wednesday when a voluntary evacuation was ordered.

Sheriff Bobby McCallum, in preparation of incoming Tropical Depression 9, has ordered the closing of all boat ramps in Levy County beginning Wednesday morning.

All boat ramps along the Suwannee River and south to the Inglis/Yankeetown area will be posted closed by tomorrow afternoon.

Crews with Levy County Parks and Recreation will be placing signage and barricades at all county boat ramps. Residents who own watercraft and need to remove them from the water are asked to complete this as quickly and safely as possible.